Search continues for cruise pair off NSW

A SEARCH is continuing off the NSW coast for two people reported missing from a cruise ship when it docked in Sydney on Thursday.

Paul Rossington, 30, and Kristen Schroder, 27, went overboard about 8.50pm (AEST) on Wednesday, police said after reviewing the ship's CCTV.

Police and Australian Search and Rescue aircraft and marine vessels are continuing their search throughout the night in an area approximately 60 nautical miles east of Forster.

NSW Police Marine Area Commander Mark Hutchings earlier said it was not known whether the pair jumped off the ship or fell overboard, although it is understood their disappearance isn't considered suspicious.

None of the other 2680 people on the cruise ship is believed to have witnessed the incident, he added.

The luxury cruiser Carnival Spirit is operated by Carnival Corp, which in recent years been plagued by a series of high-profile problems.

Last year, 32 people were killed when another of its ships - the Costa Concordia - ran aground off the coast of Italy.

Passengers cruising the Indian Ocean on the Costa Allegra were left without working toilets, running water or air conditioning for three days after a fire cut the ship's power.

In February this year, passengers aboard the Carnival Triumph spent five days without power in the Gulf of Mexico after an engine-room fire.